Working in Partnership...

So you have decided that you need to make use of a third party to help you deliver some learning within your organisation. Here are my top tips on how to really make this work:

• Invest the time up front with them. As well as agreeing the specific outcomes for the intervention give them a real feel for the organisation. Let them meet a variety of people so that they get a real nderstanding of the culture.


• Give them some license to shape things their way. Whilst you need to agree the structure of the intervention agree a framework..........don't give them a cage.


• Be really clear about how you will be measuring success. Make sure everyone is comfortable with this. If they do a good job then give them the recognition they deserve. If things don't go well then sit down with them to work things out.


• Whilst you will expect them to go the extra mile for you, do the same thing for them. Demonstrate your commitment to doing a quality job and they will follow your example.


• Be really clear about the commercials. Negotiate hard but get this out of the way early on. You don't want to be discussing expenses claims or hourly rates - agree it and focus on the more important stuff.


• Share all of the feedback with them whether it is good, bad or indifferent. Review it together and agree on any tweaks and changes you both think are required.